CAR-T Cell Therapy and NexCAR19: India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy

Cancer treatment has traditionally relied on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, recent advancements have led to the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy as new dimensions in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy focuses on boosting the patient’s immune system to fight cancer, with immune checkpoint inhibitors as the foundation. CAR-T cell therapy, which genetically modifies T-cells to target specific cancer cells, has gained substantial interest but are extremely costly. NexCAR19, developed by IIT Bombay under ImmunoAct, is India’s first indigenous anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, solidifying India’s position as a global leader in advanced cell and gene therapies with significantly reduced cost and adverse effects.